Bhubaneswar: Reaffirming his commitment for welfare of kendu leaf pluckers and workers, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday announced a special package for their welfare.
In the first phase, the financial assistance of Rs 1,000 will be given to each kendu leaf plucker and Rs 1,500 to each seasonal staff.
All kendu leaf pluckers and workers will be covered under the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana. Scholarships will be provided to their children. The meritorious students will be awarded at the district level, the Chief Minister announced.
Gratuity payment for circle checkers and binding checkers will be increased from seven days to 15 days. Identity cards will be issued to the kendu leaf pluckers.
The Central Government has imposed 18% GST on kendu leaf trade. The GST rate is very high. The kendu leaf pluckers and workers are from the poor families. Hence, the Chief Minister repeatedly requested the Central Government to lift the GST on Kendu leaf.